 The annual Travel Distribution Summit, now in its 13th year, provides networking opportunities and insights from travel insiders. The premier two-day summit will provide key information on how the travel industry can anticipate, adapt and thrive in the fast-changing online arena. The “Social Buying and Flash Sales: The Pros and Cons” panel will examine the arguments for and against using flash sale sites as a distribution channel, and explore the risks and costs involved with a group deal. Hoteliers and industry members will receive insight from Starkov on the danger of relying on flash sale tactics in favor of the proven, ROI-centric direct online channel. According to Starkov, “There is no doubt that hotel distribution has changed dramatically over the past 16 years since the advent of the “commercial” Internet. Online distribution, social media and the mobile Web have all changed how we connect with, engage and ultimately convert customers. But the fundamental principles of hotel distribution have not changed that much. Hoteliers need to focus on distribution channels that “pass the litmus test” i.e.: are cost-effective; generate the most bookings; protect rate parity and price integrity, and reach the targeted customer segments. In other words, the main focus and priority for any hotelier should be to sell as much inventory via the most cost-effective distribution channels that can potentially generate the most bookings, while preserving rate parity and price erosion.” “We are excited to have Max Starkov, a thought leader in hotel online distribution and marketing, on this panel,” said Rosie Akenhead, EyeforTravel’s TDS Director. “Mr. Starkov always provides unique and provoking perspectives on the subject. I have no doubts this session will be an eye-opening experience for the conference participants.” Starkov, along with Steven Rubin, Regional Director Revenue & Distribution, Kimpton Hotels; Kevin McLaughlin, CEO, smartdestinations.com; Doug Aley, CEO, off & away and Doug Miller, SVP New Business Initiatives, LivingSocial, will explore these crucial topics regarding social buying and flash sale sites:
Note: Exclusive to HeBS Digital clients, partners and HeBS Digital Report subscribers: quote “HeBS Digital” and claim a 10% discount off the usual rates to attend THE online travel & hospitality conference of the year! You can access the secure registration page here: http://events.eyefortravel.com/tdsusa/conference/registration.shtml About HeBS Digital HeBS Digital (Hospitality eBusiness Strategies), the industry’s leading full-service hotel digital marketing, website design and direct online channel strategy firm based in New York City (www.HeBSdigital.com). HeBS has pioneered many of the "best practices" in hotel Internet marketing, social and mobile marketing, and direct online channel distribution. The firm has won over 140 prestigious industry awards for its digital marketing and website design services, including numerous Adrian Awards, Davey Awards, W3 Awards, WebAwards, Magellan Awards, Summit International Awards, Interactive Media Awards, IAC Awards, etc. A diverse client portfolio of over 500 top tier major hotel brands, luxury and boutique hotel brands, resorts and casinos, hotel management companies, franchisees and independents, and CVBs has sought and successfully taken advantage of the firm hospitality Internet marketing expertise offered at HeBS. Contact HeBS consultants at (212) 752-8186 or [email protected]. About EyeforTravel’s TDS North America 2011 September 19-20, The Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. North America’s premier networking event for online travel suppliers and distributors: Speakers from top travel brands reveal how to lower distribution costs, control the mobile channel, maximize revenue and engage through social media. Over 300 Executives are already confirmed! See who is already attending online here http://events.eyefortravel.com/tdsusa/conference/attendees.shtml Meet the key stakeholders of the online world: Facebook, LinkedIn, LivingSocial, TripAdvisor, Google and more. Join Starwood, American Airlines, United-Continental, Air Canada, IHG, Hilton and almost every other major travel brand at North America’s favourite conference this September. For more general information see www.eyefortravel.com/tdsusa or contact :[email protected] |